Malawi!
Here is a quick update. Sorry it is all over the place and poorly constructed. (Wrote it on my iPhone before I left wifi for a while)
I said really difficult goodbyes a few short days ago to all of my family in the Philippines. They were such a huge part of my life the past 2 1/2 months and I could never repay them for the ways they blessed me. I learned so much from the boys at children's garden, the women in prison, the street kids, the women stuck in prostitution, the children at the orphanage, the threads of hope women, and just about everyone I came in contact with. My ministry contact Sharon was a huge part of that too. Sharon and the wonderful staff of children's garden (Xenia, Elmer, Olive, & nanay) showed me what it looks like to put your faith into action everyday. They always have their eyes on the Lord and with willing hearts they are used for the glory of the King. I am so grateful for the example they set for me.
The Lord worked in my heart so much in the Philippines. He transformed my heart and mind to think of things differently. He started things in me that will forever change the course of my life and oh how thankful I am for that. I was not ready to say goodbye to the family I have in the Philippines but goodbyes never seem right. I definitely left a piece of my heart in that place… And I am okay with that.
Now, looking forward, I have 3 1/2 months in Malawi, Africa. It took flying from Manila to Malaysia; Malaysia to Bangkok, Thailand; Bangkok, Thailand to Nairobi, Kenya; and Nairobi, Kenya to Malawi. There were a few long layovers involved and not nearly enough sleep. Once I got to Malawi I lost my luggage for a few days (I got it back don't worry!) and lived out of my carry on along with the gracious supplies of my teammates at debrief.
I leave today for my ministry site for the next and last 3 1/2 months of this trip. I am so curious! I'm interested to see what The Lord will do and what day to day life will look like. I know I will have no electricity, no running water (we will fetch water from the well), and be living in my tent. I know I am helping to construct a building for a bible school (when it is done we will live in it) and outside of that I am not sure what these next 3 1/2 months hold in store. Be praying for my team and my squad and we live together, grow in The Lord together, and do ministry together.
We have 100 days. 100 days to bring light into the darkness and to be warriors for The Lord. 100 days to change this place.
I'm excited for these next few months. I'm going to go big & then come home. 🙂
